Three guilty in shooting, assault

By Mike Gordon
Advertiser Staff Writer

Joseph Poomaihealani III, the man accused of gunning down a good Samaritan last summer, was found guilty today of second-degree murder for the death of Bernardino "Dino" Arado.

From left, Brandon Lizardo, and brothers John and Joseph Poomaihealani appear in court today to hear their verdict in the shooting case of Bernardino Arado. Ricahrd Ambo • The Honolulu Advertiser

Poomaihealani had maintained during the trial that he acted out of instinct when he shot Arado on Aug. 12, 2000, in Waipio Acres because he thought Arado was going to hit him with a golf club. The prosecution had said that Arado had merely gone to see what a commotion was about. His neighbor was being pistol-whipped.

Two co-defendants —Poomaihealani's brother John, 19, and Brandon Lizardo — were found guilty of lesser charges and face prison sentences of five to 10 years. Sentencing for all three Wai'anae men is set for Dec. 5.

"This was not self-defense," said Deputy Prosecutor Chris Van Marter after the verdict was read. "It was a totally uncalled for shooting. No sensible person would have shot Dino Arado."

The 12-member jury deliberated for nine days before delivering its unanimous guilty verdict. The trial took six weeks. "Dino Arado was a non-violent, peaceful guy trying to help his neighbor," Van Marter said. "Justice was served and these three men were held accountable."

Outside the courthouse, Ellen Poomaihealani wept for her sons.

"You know, for the other family, I feel for them," she said. "But I lost sons, too."

Her husband, Joseph Poomaihealani Jr., said he believed his son's story.

He asked for forgiveness. "I've got too much hurt, too much hurt," he said. "You can't bring him back. I have two sons, but what is the sense of having them if they are going to be incarcerated for the rest of their life? All I can say is, forgive us for what happened to this family."